Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce

The Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the business, civic, and social interests of its members, and to enhance the welfare of the entire Jefferson Park Community. Our top priority is to help your business grow!

Jefferson Park Chamber TESTIFIES AT

sTATE HEARING

For years the chamber has heard complaints about landlords who refuse to rent their storefronts -- in part because the county will grant them a 'vacancy' reduction on their property assessment. This shifts more of the tax burden to those property owners who are working hard to maintain their storefront and to find a good tenant. Filled storefronts bring more foot traffic to our business district, benefitting everyone.

State Rep. Robert Martwick has proposed legislation which would allow a representative of a taxing body to file a complaint with the county board of review if a property owner is receiving relief but is not trying to sell, lease, or improve the property. The legislation is not intended to remove the vacancy relief option but to stop those who are abusing the system.

Some members of the Illinois House Revenue Committee were surprised to learn that property owners could seek vacancy relief.

The committee was given examples of Milwaukee-Lawrence properties where some owners have received as many as seven reductions since 2007. The proposed bill,which is stuck in the Rules Committee, is expected to undergo some revisions.